Mathematics and Algorithmic Thinking

These units introduce students to the possibilities of computer-based mathematics, showing how computation complements, extends, and enriches traditional mathematical methods, and demonstrating the methods with which mathematicians work in the real world.

There are three different subject areas brought together under a common theme: “How algorithmic thinking helps us decipher a complex world.”

Each unit includes two types of lessons. Application lessons introduce students to mathematical and data science aspects of the subject area, without requiring prior coding knowledge.  Students work through prepared ‘Jupyter notebooks’ where the required computations can be run on demand. Optional behind-the-scenes lessons unpack some of the computational methods and assume prior exposure to basic coding. The software is free, of professional quality and supported by an international community, can be installed or used in a browser, and is relatively easy to learn and use.

The three units are:

• Understanding Data through Visualisation
• Understanding Behaviour through Simulation
• Understanding Pattern through Generative Geometry

Students will need computers (individual or pairs) and the teacher may want to use data projection. Detailed information on software is in the Teachers' Guide.